Three Rays injured in Wednesday night’s ballgame; one to be placed on the IL

Catcher Anthony Bemboom was rewarded with a breakout night by getting placed on the IL with a left knee sprain.

In the spirit of the movie Spinal Tap, another Tampa Bay Rays catcher has been bit by the injury bug and will be placed on the Injured List (IL). This time, replacement backstop Anthony Bemboom — in the midst of a career game — left Wednesday night’s contest because of a left knee sprain. Two other players, third baseman Yandy Díaz and outfielder Guillermo Heredia, were also pulled from the game, although their injuries do not necessitate placement on the IL.

After going hitless in his big league debut on Sunday, Bemboom connected with his first big league hit, an RBI double, in the second inning off Jose Urena, which ended up being the decisive run in the Rays’ 1-0 win on Wednesday.

But, after collecting his second hit, Bemboom’s night came to an end in the sixth inning after he suffered a fifth-inning left knee sprain on a move that he said he has made “1,000 times” in his career.

It’s a little tough. Obviously, everything you can do to help the team win is great, and I’m excited about that. But also, anytime you’re not on the field, it’s kind of tough not being able to help your team win and be available.

— Anthony Bemboom

Michael Perez (oblique strain)

Mike Zunino (quad strain)

Anthony Bemboom (left knee sprain)

Bemboom joins Michael Perez and Mike Zunino as the catchers on the IL, and will likely be replaced by Nick Ciuffo on the 25-man roster before the series opener against the Yankees on Friday.

Diaz was pulled from the game in the seventh inning due to left ankle discomfort, which he suffered in the sixth inning as he rounded third base before being stopped by third-base coach Rodney Linares. When the frame ended, trainer Joe Binge and manager Kevin Cash checked on Diaz, although he remained in the game for the time being.

Through a Spanish speaking translator, Diaz said that he felt some discomfort with the ankle, which is the same one that forced him to miss a game earlier this season. He, however, is listed as day-to-day and should be ready to play on Friday.

I feel fine. I’ll be able to play on Friday.

— Yandy Diaz

Heredia left the game with a right hand contusion after being hit by a pitch by Urena in the fifth inning. X-Rays on the injury came back negative, and Heredia is listed as day-to-day.

I feel better now that everything came back negative. The pain goes away, but that’s not something that’ll keep me out of games.

— Guillermo Heredia

There is no word on whether Heredia will available on Friday, or if he will get another day of rest.